​ iTeach School Leaders Academy
Fast-Tracking Equity-Focused School Leaders
What is the iTeach School Leaders Academy?
At its core, the iTeach School Leader Academy (SLA) is a five-month Intensive School Leadership Development Program designed to fast-track the journey of equity-driven leaders into school leadership roles. This program equips participants with the skills, mindsets, and practical experience needed to serve as transformative School Leaders in low-income, under-resourced communities— immediately upon graduation or within two
years of graduating from the program.
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India’s education reform movement is at an exciting juncture, with growing networks of schools serving high-need students. These schools face
a significant challenge: finding mission-driven School Leaders ready to effectively lead and drive transformation. iTeach Schools is committed to addressing this gap by preparing high-impact leaders for high-need schools.
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With a decade of experience building a high-quality network of schools across 4 municipal corporations, iTeach is uniquely positioned to share
key insights and empower equity-driven leaders to step into impactful school leadership roles.
Why is iTeach Schools starting a School Leaders Academy?
Watch a sneak peek of the first SL Academy Bootcamp from March 2025!
Who is the iTeach School Leaders Academy for? What are the eligibility criteria?
​The SL Academy is tailored for highly mission-driven leaders to step into a School Leadership role. Over five months (October 25 to January 26 & Summer School in May 26), participants can upskill and prepare for this critical role while continuing their current full-time work.
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You’re a great fit for this Academy if you:
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Have worked full-time in a school or school-centric setting for at least 4-5 years.
Are currently serving as a leader or mid-level manager in any school-centric setting. For eg. as a Program Manager, Instructional Specialist, Lead Teacher or Assistant School Leader/Vice-Principal.
Looking to fast-track your journey into a larger school leadership role within the next 2 years.
Educational equity driven leadership is non-negotiable for you. You are deeply committed to serving in underserved communities.
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If you’re unsure about meeting the eligibility requirements, we’d love to chat and help you explore if this opportunity is a great fit for you. Please write to tanvi.metre@iteachschools.org if you’d like to set up a 1-1 chat.
What happens when? How long does the programme last? When do applications open?
The SL Academy combines cohort-based virtual learning, hands-on performance tasks, and immersive in-person experiences to equip participants with the most essential knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to become high-impact school leaders in under-resourced communities.
What are the key focus areas of this program?
What does leading a Summer School in May look like?
What career paths open up to me immediately upon graduation?
The Summer School is the heart of the SL Academy experience. Over three weeks, you will co-lead a school in Pune with a peer, leading approximately 100 students and six teachers. This immersive experience allows you to apply and refine competencies from the program’s five focus areas, with live feedback from an expert School Coach to prepare you for your role as a School Leader.​​​
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Join as a School Leader in the Upcoming Academic Year (2026-27):
Starting in June 2026, step into the School Leader role at a school network/organization committed to equity-focused leadership. For example: iTeach Schools, Akanksha, The Circle supported Schools, Teach for India supported Schools (TrustED).
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Join as a School Leader Within 2 Years of Graduating:
If you need more time in your current role to prepare for the transition, you can still join the Academy to significantly enhance your skills and effectiveness. Leverage the program to get more proficient in your current role while preparing to step up into school leadership within the next two years.
What does the selection process look like?
How can I apply?
Step 1:
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Submit your online application form.
Time Commitment: ~2 hours
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Step 2:
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Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a Virtual Interview Day.
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Important Application Timelines:
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Round 1
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Last Date to Apply: 24th August, 11:59 PM IST
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Virtual Interview Day: 30th August
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Round 2
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Last Date to Apply: 7th September, 11:59 PM IST
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Virtual Interview Day: 13th September
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Don’t miss the chance to fast-track your journey to school leadership—apply now!
How much does this program cost? What are my options for funding?
Program Enrollment Fee
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The program fee is highly subsidized at INR 25,000, with the bulk of costs covered by our donor partners.
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This fee can be paid by your employer school network / organization as part of their investment in your training or can be paid out-of-pocket by participants.
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Residential Bootcamp Costs and Summer School Costs
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All accommodation and food expenses for the 3-day in-person boot-camp in Pune, are included in the enrollment fee. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Pune and within Pune.
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For the Summer School practicum in Pune (three weeks in May), accommodation and food expenses will be covered for participants traveling from other locations. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Pune and within Pune.
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​We are committed to ensuring this program is accessible to all eligible participants, regardless of financial constraints. If you have any questions about the enrollment fee or need assistance, please contact us at tanvi.metre@iteachschools.org to discuss scholarship opportunities.
How much does this program cost? What are my options for funding?
The results from our first cohort of 18 Leaders have been incredibly encouraging. We’re so proud of how they’ve fast-tracked themselves into mission-driven School Leadership!
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Check out the impact from Cohort 1 of the SL Academy:
Watch our School Leaders talk about their journey:
